Financial well-being for all By LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON
The Philippine Star|October 06, 2024
Benedict Sison, chief executive officer and country head of Sun Life Philippines, has accumulated a wealth of experience in five diverse countries the United States, India, Canada, China and Hong Kong before returning to the Philippines. This international exposure has significantly shaped his career decisions and leadership style, providing him the right tools to navigate the complex financial landscape of the insure - inductas
LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON
Financial well-being for all By LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

Before joining Sun Life, Sison worked at Conagra Brands, an American consumer goods company, serving various corporate finance roles. In 2010, Sison felt the need to stay in Asia-Pacific amid the region's booming economic opportunities.

Transitioning from the consumer goods industry to financial services was a daunting prospect. However, Sison's unwavering determination propelled him to make that critical shift, leading him to head one of the country's largest insurance firms and contribute to enhancing financial awareness among Filipinos.

When Sison was informed of an available chief financial officer post in Sun Life Philippines, he hesitated initially as he lacked experience in the financial services industry, particularly in actuarial.

But he decided to make the giant leap anyway and as they say, the rest is history.

"At the time, I was really searching for an international company with a strong vision for the future and plans to aggressively grow in Asia," Sison said.

"What attracted me to Sun Life was the promise of greater challenges. It's not easy to transition from a consumer goods industry to financial services. Actuarial is a field I was unfamiliar with," he shared.

Two years later, Benedict was promoted to Asia CFO, overseeing finance across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and China markets.

In 2015, he was moved to the Philippines as chief strategy and financial management officer before becoming CEO and country head in July 2018.

"My experiences have prepared me well for my current role. It equipped me to navigate unpredictable environments and to quickly respond to surprising shifts and trends," Sison said.

The best and the worst Like any other job in the world, Sison's task has its pros and cons.

For him, the best part is the challenge to influence people, gain support and inspire his team to perform better.

Denne historien er fra October 06, 2024-utgaven av The Philippine Star.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 06, 2024-utgaven av The Philippine Star.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE PHILIPPINE STARSe alt
David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love
The Philippine Star

David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love

While at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York over two decades ago, Colombian-born David Pardo Ayala met the love of his life, a Filipina named Gianella.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts
The Philippine Star

Lucky Dumpling opens at Hann Resorts

Ever been up to the Pampanga and Clark area and craved Chinese food? There is good news since Lucky Dumpling just opened at Hann Resorts in Clark and is a perfect place to have dim sum and Cantonese food for lunch or dinner, even if one is just passing by the area.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN
The Philippine Star

FROM LEGENDS TO CHART-TOPPERS: 2025 CONCERT LINEUP FOR EVERY MUSIC FAN

From Dionne Warwick to Boyz II Men, a bountiful lineup of nostalgia acts will be hitting the Philippine stage this year.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS
The Philippine Star

WHY STREAMING SERVICE MAX IS BETTING BIG ON FILIPINO VIEWERS

ONE OF THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LOCAL entertainment scene in the last quarter of 2024 was the entry of a new streaming service: Max. The platform, operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, brings together iconic brands such as HBO, Harry Potter, Cartoon Network and the DC Universe under one umbrella.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 07, 2025
50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'
The Philippine Star

50th MMFF Extends Run Until Jan. 14 Due to 'Public Demand'

The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to continue for an additional week due to \"insistent public demand.\"

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

Jollibee Takes Majority Control of Taiwan-Based Soup Brand

Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is boosting its position in the Chinese cuisine segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in a leading wellness soup brand in Taiwan.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

DA funds to cushion impact of imports get substantial hike

Filipino farmers affected by imports, especially coffee and poultry producers, are expected to get at least a billion peso worth of support this year after the Department of Agriculture (DA) received an exponential increase in its earmarked fund meant to enhance farmers’ competitiveness.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

The reality on the ground can damage reputation

Are we like goslings or baby geese that follow a mother goose wherever it goes? It appears that way, at least in my case.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

MGen unit bags 600-MW gas project in Singapore

PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP), controlled by Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), has secured the right to build, own and operate a 600-megawatt gas plant in Singapore.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
The Philippine Star

Market Stays Blemish-Free in 2025

The local stock market has kept its record blemish-free so far this year, extending its winning streak to three sessions ahead of the release of the country's December inflation data today.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025